Shipment Exception FedEx: What It Means and How to Deal With It

If you are a frequent online shopper or sender, you probably have used FedEx at some point. FedEx is one of the largest and most reliable delivery companies in the world, offering various services and options for domestic and international shipments. However, even FedEx is not immune to occasional delays or problems that may affect your package. One of these problems is called a shipment exception.

A shipment exception means that your package has encountered an unexpected event that prevents it from being delivered on time. This could be due to various reasons, such as weather conditions, natural disasters, vehicle issues, address errors, customs delays, or package damage. When a shipment exception occurs, FedEx will update the tracking status of your package with a description of the issue and the actions taken to resolve it.

In this article, you will learn more about what a shipment exception means, how long it lasts, how to fix it, and how to avoid it in the future. You will also get some tips and best practices from experts and other customers who have experienced shipment exceptions. By the end of this article, you will be able to handle any shipment exception with ease and confidence.

1. Shipment Exception Meaning

A shipment exception is when a package encounters an unexpected event that prevents it from being delivered on time. It could be due to various reasons, such as weather conditions, customs issues, address errors, package damage, or other factors. A shipment exception does not necessarily mean that your package is lost or damaged, but it does indicate that there is a delay or problem that needs to be resolved before the delivery can proceed.

A shipment exception is not the same as a delivery exception. A delivery exception means that your package has arrived at the destination but cannot be delivered for some reason, such as a signature requirement, an incorrect address, or a delivery access issue. A shipment exception means that your package has not arrived at the destination yet and is delayed somewhere along the way.

There are different types of shipment exceptions, depending on the cause and the severity of the problem. Some common examples are:

• Weather delay: This means that severe weather conditions have affected the transportation or delivery of your package. This could include storms, floods, snow, or extreme temperatures.
• International shipment release – Import: This means that your package has arrived at the destination country and is being processed by customs. This could take some time depending on the type of goods, the documentation required, and the customs regulations of the country.
• Barcode label unreadable and replaced: This means that the barcode label on your package was damaged or smudged and could not be scanned by the FedEx system. A new label was printed and attached to your package.
• Delivery exception – Customer not available or business closed: This means that the FedEx driver attempted to deliver your package but could not find anyone to receive it or the business was closed. A door tag was left with instructions on how to reschedule the delivery or pick up the package from a nearby location.
• Delivery exception – Incorrect address: This means that the address on your package was incomplete, incorrect, or outdated and could not be located by the FedEx driver. You may need to contact FedEx or the sender to provide a valid address.
• Clearance delay: This means that your package is delayed at customs due to missing or incorrect documentation, duties or taxes, or other regulations. FedEx will work with customs authorities to clear your package as soon as possible.
• Mechanical delay: This means that your package is delayed due to a vehicle breakdown, an accident, or a traffic jam. FedEx will arrange for another vehicle to transport your package as soon as possible.
• Damaged label: This means that your package’s label is torn or missing due to handling or weather. FedEx will try to find another way to locate your address and contact information and continue delivery.
• Address correction: This means that your package’s address is incomplete or incorrect due to a typo or a change of address. FedEx will try to find the correct address and contact information and continue delivery.

These are just some examples of shipment exceptions. There may be other situations that cause shipment exceptions that are not listed here. You can always check the tracking status of your package on the FedEx website or app to see the latest updates and details of your shipment exception.

2. How Long Does FedEx Shipment Exception Last?

The duration of a shipment exception depends on the type and the extent of the problem. Some shipment exceptions may be resolved within hours or days, while others may take weeks or months. The following factors may affect how long a shipment exception lasts:

• The nature and severity of the problem: Some problems are easier and faster to fix than others. For example, a mechanical delay may be resolved within hours if another vehicle is available nearby, while a clearance delay may take days or weeks if there are complex customs issues involved.
• The location and distance of the problem: Some problems occur closer or farther from the destination than others. For example, a weather delay may occur near the origin, near the destination, or somewhere in between. The closer the problem is to the destination, the shorter the delay may be.
• The availability and cooperation of resources: Some problems require more or less resources and cooperation than others. For example, a damaged barcode may require only a manual entry by a FedEx employee, while a damaged label may require contacting the sender or recipient for verification.
• The frequency and priority of deliveries: Some deliveries are more frequent or urgent than others. For example, a FedEx Express delivery may have a higher priority than a FedEx Ground delivery. The higher the frequency and priority of deliveries, the shorter the delay may be.

There is no definitive answer to how long a shipment exception lasts. It varies from case to case and depends on many factors beyond FedEx’s control. However, you can always track your package online or contact customer service for more information and assistance.

3. How Do I Fix a FedEx Delivery Exception?

If you are the sender or recipient of a package that has a shipment exception, you may wonder what you can do to fix it or speed up the delivery. Here are some tips and steps you can take to deal with a shipment exception:

• Weather delay: There is not much you can do about a weather delay except wait patiently until the weather conditions improve and your package can resume its journey. You can monitor the status of your package online and contact FedEx if you have any urgent inquiries.
• International shipment release – Import: If your package is being held by customs, you may need to provide some information or documentation to facilitate the clearance process. You can contact FedEx or the sender to find out what is required and how to submit it. You may also need to pay some fees or taxes depending on the value and type of goods in your package.
• Barcode label unreadable and replaced: If your package had a barcode label issue, you don’t need to do anything asFedEx will fix it and update the tracking information accordingly. However, you may experience some delays in your delivery as your package may need to be re-routed or re-sorted.
• Delivery exception – Customer not available or business closed: If you missed a delivery attempt, you can reschedule it online using the door tag number or the tracking number. You can also request to have your package delivered to another address or held at a nearby FedEx location for pickup. You may need to sign for your package depending on the service type and sender’s instructions.
• Delivery exception – Incorrect address: If your package had an address issue, you need to contact FedEx or the sender as soon as possible to provide a correct address. You may be charged an additional fee for changing the address after shipping. If you don’t provide a valid address within a certain period of time, your package may be returned to the sender.

Some other ways to fix FedEx Delivery Exception

• Track your package online: The first thing you should do is to track your package online using the tracking number or door tag number. You can see the current status, location, and estimated delivery date of your package, as well as the details and reasons of the shipment exception. You can also sign up for email or text notifications to get updates on your package.
• Contact customer service: If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your package, you can contact customer service by phone, email, or chat. You can find the contact information on the FedEx website or app. You can also visit a FedEx Office location near you and talk to a team member. Customer service can provide you with more information and assistance on your shipment exception, such as redirecting your package, holding your package at a location, rescheduling your delivery, or filing a claim.
• Contact the sender or recipient: If you are the sender or recipient of a package that has a shipment exception, you should also contact each other and communicate about the situation. You can provide or confirm the correct address and contact information, share the tracking details and updates, and discuss the options and solutions for your package. You can also contact the seller or buyer if you purchased or sold something online and inform them about the shipment exception.
• Be patient and flexible: Sometimes, there is nothing you can do to fix or prevent a shipment exception. It may be caused by factors that are beyond your or FedEx’s control. In that case, you should be patient and flexible and wait for FedEx to resolve the issue and deliver your package. You should also understand that FedEx is doing its best to deliver your package as soon as possible and that shipment exceptions are rare and exceptional events.

4. How to Avoid Shipment Exceptions in the Future

While shipment exceptions are unavoidable sometimes, there are some things you can do to reduce the chances of them happening in the future. Here are some tips and best practices to avoid shipment exceptions:

• Use accurate and complete shipping information: One of the most common causes of shipment exceptions is incorrect or incomplete shipping information, such as address, phone number, email, name, etc. You should always double-check and verify your shipping information before sending or receiving a package. You should also update your shipping information if you move or change your contact details.
• Use proper packaging and labeling: Another common cause of shipment exceptions is improper packaging or labeling of packages, such as damaged or missing labels, barcodes, or seals. You should always use sturdy and appropriate packaging materials for your packages, such as boxes, envelopes, tape, cushioning, etc. You should also use clear and legible labels for your packages, with the correct address and tracking number. You should also avoid covering or obscuring the labels or barcodes with tape or stickers.
• Follow customs regulations and requirements: If you are sending or receiving an international package, you should always follow the customs regulations and requirements of the origin and destination countries. You should provide all the necessary documentation for your package, such as invoices, receipts, certificates, licenses, etc. You should also pay any duties or taxes that may apply to your package. You should also avoid sending any prohibited or restricted items that may cause customs delays or seizures.
• Choose the right service and option for your package: Depending on your needs and preferences, you may choose different services and options for your package delivery, such as FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Home Delivery, FedEx SmartPost, FedEx Freight, FedEx SameDay, FedEx Delivery Manager, FedEx Signature Options, etc. You should always choose the right service and option for your package based on factors such as speed, cost, size, weight, destination, etc. You should also check the service availability and limitations for your package before placing an order.

5. Conclusion

Shipment exceptions are notifications that indicate a deviation from the normal delivery process for packages shipped through FedEx. They can be caused by various reasons, such as weather conditions, natural disasters, vehicle issues, address errors, customs delays, or package damage.

Shipment exceptions can last from hours to months depending on the type and extent of the problem.

You can fix a shipment exception by tracking your package online, contacting customer service, contacting the sender or recipient, and being patient and flexible.

You can avoid shipment exceptions by using accurate and complete shipping information, using proper packaging and labeling, following customs regulations and requirements, and choosing the right service and option for your package.

We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you and improve our service. Thank you for choosing FedEx for your shipping needs. 😊